Front suspension to-do list - Input needed

[itwonder]

If corroded under the bushings, you may want to replace the strut rods while they are still available from Ford (PN E8DZ-3468-A). You should weld the strut rod cups in the subframe while you have it apart (SB on this)...if you don't have a welder, have it done at a muffler shop before you start this project; it is quick and easy. It would be good to replace the sway bar bushings with the Energy Suspension PN 9.5160G. They are bolt in, except replace the 2 straight zerk fittings with 90 degree ones. It was tight, but I did not have to lower the subframe to change them on my car, which is equipped with the '96 bushing upgrade. On some, you may have to lossen the rear subframe bolts and drop it 1/2" or so. Now is the time to make sure your ball joints are in excellent condition.

 

[eacyde]

Should I get adjustable strut mounts? What brand is good?

 

[Art5]

Yes, I would also change everything possible in there, because it is chain reaction once you start working on one thing, you're going end up doing something else.
And EVERYTHING means every bushing and every wear and tear item there. Another thing is that if you'll be doing work yourself, you'd want to **** yourself before the end of all the work, so consider Gen3 subframe swap. I think it is easier to prepare the whole front suspension setup and then just put it on.

 

[whiteguy3]

As stated change as much as possible. Personally I love Mevotech brand suspension parts. They make end-links, bushings and tie rod ends that are great. They are extremely cheap price wise too.

I would go with Intrax springs (or stock if you do not really care) coupled with Sensatrac struts.

 

[NP SHO]

Should I get adjustable strut mounts? What brand is good?

I would definitely go with the adjustable mounts if you're going with the Intrax springs. SHOSource has the Ingalls adjustable mounts for $79.99/pair. You can get them with the bearings for an extra $28. Here's the link:

http://shosource.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=61_3_33&products_id=13

Spray EVERYTHING down with penetrating oil once a day for the week or two before you do the work. You'll be glad you did. Since we're talking about front suspension... does anyone have any advice on how to get the front strut rod loose from the lower control arm? I believe it's the original one-piece bushing and for the life of me I can't get the strut rod loose from the LCA. Any help would be appreciated!

(Sorry for the thread jacking. lol)

 

[Art5]

you have to hold it down with whatever holding/grabbing tool you can get and an extra pair of hands. I had local shop do that job for me, but even with air gun, i was the one helping mechanic taking all that appart. Oh, and I think they had to heat up subframe side to take those nuts off.

This is exactly what I'm talking about when going into suspension work: **** in taking it appart!

 

[NP SHO]

Hey Art! I already have the nuts off. The rod itself seems to be locked into the bushing tight and I can't get it out of there.

 

[trainguy1989]

Either take your VIN to your local Ford dealer, or www.ford.com. That'll tell you if there's any open recalls. However, to be 100% certain, I'd pull the front carpet back and have a look. Many dealers said they performed the recalls, but never did.

I have one of those cars. :wave:

 

[Art5]

Hey Art! I already have the nuts off. The rod itself seems to be locked into the bushing tight and I can't get it out of there.

you would have to burn them off. I hope that your rods are still good too.

 

[pejohnson]

SensaTrac Intrax combo

I'm in the process of doing this right now. Did the rear this weekend and doing the front next weekend. I'm doing SensaTrac struts, Intrax springs, Ingalls adjustable strut mounts up front/Monroe strut mounts in the rear, new strut rod bushings, swaybar endlinks, inner & outer tie rod ends...etc. I only want to do this once. FYI - If you live anywhere near the rust belt, plan on spending time heating and spraying the pinch bolts with WD40 or the likes. I spent over a day breaking loose my strut rod nuts and pinch bolts (part of which was drilling out the pinch bolt I snapped). HEAT IS YOUR FRIEND!!! Good luck and let us know what you end up doing.

I thought I read that SensTrac and Intrax springs are a bad combo. The Intrax are too stiff for the SensaTrac's. Maybe I'm wrong???

 

[NotSoSlowSHO]

Ive posted this parts list before...

here we go again :wave:

ANYHOW, back to suspension overhaul!

What should you replace? Well, as always with the SHO and other "complicated" and labor intensive vehicles, it is a "since your in there, replace it all" type of thing.

Heres a list:

Front Suspension:

Coils/Struts
Mounts
Bearings
Coil spring insulators
Sway bar bushings
Sub frame bushings
tie rod ends
sway bar endlinks/bushings
tension strut bushings

Rear suspension:

Coils/Struts
Mounts
Sway bar bushings
Sway bar enlinks/bushings
Strut rod bushings